The more restaurants in an area, the better

The opening of Rumbo al Sur in the same block has actually helped the business of Bellanico in Oakland. The San Francisco Chronicle 2008

I received an e-mail from Jonathan Luce at Bellanico in Oakland saying that the opening of Rumbo al Sur across the street from his restaurant had brought more people into the neighborhood, and consequently into his restaurant.

In some ways this may seem counter-intuitive. In addition, that same block is also the home to the popular Marzano, plus Pastino’s Pasta and Pizza, Banana Blossom Thai and Sushi Park.

Rumbo al Sur. Photo: The San Francisco Chronicle

On one level it may feel like overkill, but that’s not really the case. More popular restaurant clusters seem to help everyone in the area, especially the more casual places that don’t take reservations or those places that accommodate walk-ins. Many people decide to eat out at the spur of the moment. If there’s only one restaurant in a block they may decide to skip trying it out. If there are three or four places people are more likely to take a chance; if you can’t get into one place, you might be able to get into another. Plus if you’re going to Rumbo al Sur, you will see Marzano and Bellanico nearby and put them on your must-visit list.

In San Francisco the newest high profile cluster is in North Beach. Within a block of each other there are four destination restaurants—as well as some smaller cafes. Park Tavern, Original Joe’s, North Beach Restaurant and Tony’s are all doing bang-up businesses and I’m sure it’s helped the area cafes too.